My name is Teresa.
I have been living away from my family for two decades. I have not seen my parents for 20 years.
Do you know why? It is not that I do not work hard or that I do not love my family. In fact, the opposite is true. The absence of a green card/citizenship denied me the joy of big life events with my parents.
As an undocumented student, my parents were not able to see when I graduated from college.
As an undocumented bride, my parents did not witness my wedding when I found love.
As an undocumented mother, my parent were not able to meet my daughters when they were born.
For my school age daughters, gaining documented status means that we now can spend their favorite holiday with their grandparents.
At the end of the day, undocumented people want the undeniable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. My parents, my children and loved ones need and deserve the relief of knowing that I can work and live without fear of isolation in the country I call home.
President Biden, you can take action by putting a stop to deportations, closing detention centers and advocate for immigration reform that includes a path to permanent residency and citizenship to the eleven million undocumented immigrants who call this country home.